“Your “coach” is one of the best educators in imaging, Bob Coates. I won’t deny I’m a little prejudiced, having hung out with Bob for 20+ years. But the friendship we have came out of my respect for his style, knowledge, passion for the craft, and willingness to always help on any project. He’s an artist, educator, author, and a great friend to so many photographers in the industry.”

Skip Cohen – President Marketing Essentials International – skipcohenuniversity.com

Having been a student in several of Bob’s classes, I have found him to be an incredibly engaging speaker who eagerly shares his knowledge. 

He has a sincere desire to help elevate others in their craft and patiently explains the “why” to each concept. Bob helps each student discover their own talents and guides them to apply practical solutions for improvements for their photography skills.

Della Watters, M.Photog.M.Wed.Photog.M.Artist.Cr.,CPP

President, Professional Photographers’ Association of PA

I would highly recommend Bob Coates as an instructor. He is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and well-organized. His class was incredible. I’m already planning when I can take another one!

After reading his excellent series of articles in the American Society of Photographers magazine, I was fortunate to be able to take Bob’s Astrophotography class in Sedona.

We had instruction in the afternoon to prepare us to capture the Milky Way. Equipment needs and what to bring were thoroughly covered before the class. Bob spent extra time scouting several good sites for students to capture great images with interesting foreground details. After a fun group dinner, we drove to designated sites and headed up the trail to get our cameras focused before dark. Bob made his way to each student to offer assistance during setup. Throughout the evening, we were able to capture many images as we sat under the majestic red-rock formations along the trail.

During class the next day we took our raw files and brought out the incredible color and details of the Milky Way using the processing techniques Bob taught us.

Anne-Marie Shumate, M. Photog. CPP – Past President Arizona Professional Photographers Association Photographer/Owner –  Lasting Images Photography

I have known Bob Coates for many years and it seems almost every time we speak, I learn something new about photography. He is a born teacher, a true educator, who delights in helping others learn. Whether it’s the broad aspects of photography, cameras, and equipment, or the art of capturing and producing beautiful images, he has a great depth and breadth of knowledge willingly shared. Plus, he has a positive encouraging attitude and a wonderful sense of humor!

Sara Goodnick – Photo Guide Arizona Highways Photoscapes – Sara Goodnick Photography

“I’ve done plenty of low light and night photography: Light painting, fire performers, concerts, weddings, city-scapes, moon shots and twilight HDR work. But, I’ve never attempted to shoot the Milky Way, with its estimated 200–400 billion stars, its glorious halo of interest. Learning astro-photography techniques has long been on my bucket list.

As a Dark Sky Community, Sedona is one of the best places on Earth to witness the galactic core of the Milky Way. But who would guide me on a magical quest to capture the galaxy? How would I find a good astro-photography guide in Sedona? But, of course, the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) member directory! I was ecstatic when I found out Bob Coates lived there! I was already a Big Bob Fan (BBF) from his superlative Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) classes and International  judging. I was greatly impressed by his generous, passionate teaching style and deep technical knowledge. As a Master Photographer, coach, mentor, and judge, he’s helped thousands of photographers refine their craft.

We set up on a ridge top amid spiny yucca and sharp cacti. I fiddle with settings and ask lots of questions. Coates is encyclopedic but down to earth. His gear is much newer and better than mine, and he’s happy to talk about it. His enthusiasm is contagious. He’s a Micro 4/3rds Olympus shooter, and I’m lugging my well-worn Canon 6D with a 24–105mm. He’s funny and quirky too, with a wry, dry sense of humor while patiently explaining how to capture the cosmos. I realize how lucky I am to receive this gift of time and knowledge from a fellow photographer and friend of VPPA.”

Craig Shaffer – CPP, SP, FP, MFA Creative Writing, MA Creative Writing

“Bob, Thank you for your patience with my questions and carefully walking through all the steps with me, both in the field and during the lectures.  Your replies to questions before, during, and after the workshop, were amazingly fast!  You remembered every detail as you shared additional information or showed us other photography related gear or software which came up in our class discussions. 

I truly appreciated the small class size. There was ample one-on-one time with you in the field at night, as we reviewed and put everything you taught us into practice.

Your sense of humor, and down to earth teaching style, made for a fun and relaxed learning experience, as well!”

Jennifer Jeung – Workshop attendee October 2023

“The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us.”

 Ralph Waldo Emmerson